Indian Trade Service (ITS), Eligibility, Age Limit, Salary

Indian Trade Service (ITS) is a Group “A” civil service which is regarded as one of the prestigious services which holds the primary responsibility of promoting India’s international trade. The ITS Officers work on trade policies, negotiations, and commercial diplomacy. The Indian Trade Service is controlled by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce. Keep reading the article to know the details about the ITS Officers including the eligibility criteria, roles and responsibility and other important details related to this service.

ITS Full Form

The Indian Trade Service (ITS) officers are hired by the UPSC through the UPSC CSE Exam each year. This service was established in 1977, and the first batch was selected in 1986. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade is in charge of this Cadre, and the Department of Commerce is the Cadre Controlling Authority for the Indian Trade Service. The ITS Officers hold positions in various departments including the Ministry of Commerce and other trade agencies such as WTO, UN ESCAP, Trade Boards, etc.

Indian Trade Service

The Indian Trade Service is an esteemed civil service in Group”A” under the Government of India which plays an important role in formulating and implementing policies related to international trade and commerce. The ITS Officers, the backbone of India’s trade policies, are responsible for promoting India’s trade both domestically and globally.

ITS Roles and Responsibilities

ITS Officers are assigned with important roles and responsibilities. Below mentioned are some of the key areas where the Indian Trade Service (ITS) officers play a crucial role:

1. ITS Officers actively contribute to formulating and implementing trade policies to increase India’s exports and reduce trade barriers.
2. They also participate in international trade negotiations, representing India’s interests and working towards favorable outcomes.
3. The Indian Trade Service (ITS) officers conduct market research and identify export opportunities for Indian industries.
4. ITS Officers resolve trade disputes and handle grievances related to trade in a fair and acceptable manner.
5. ITS Officers introduce schemes to support Indian exporters, provide market trends, and facilitate their participation in trade fairs and exhibitions.

ITS Eligibility Criteria 2025

Candidates applying for the ITS Exam 2025 must meet the below specific ITS Eligibility Criteria 2025, including educational qualifications, age limits, and relaxations for certain categories:

Educational Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree from a recognized university is mandatory.
• Candidates awaiting results after taking the qualifying examination can also apply.

Age Criteria

• Minimum age: 21 years
• Maximum age: 32 years as of August 1 of the exam year.

Age Relaxation

• SC/ST applicants have age relaxation up to 5 years.
• OBC applicants have age relaxation up to 3 years.
• Domiciles of Jammu and Kashmir (January 1, 1980–December 31, 1989) have relaxation up to 5 years.
• Armed forces personnel disabled during hostilities have relaxation up to 5 years.
• Ex-servicemen (including ECOs/SSCOs) have relaxation up to 5 years.
• Blind, deaf-mute, and orthopedically challenged individuals have relaxation up to 10 years.

Indian Trade Service Posts

1. Assistant Director General of Foreign Trade (ADGFT)
2. Deputy Director General of Foreign Trade (DDGFT)
3. Joint Director General of Foreign Trade (JDGFT)
4. Additional Director General of Foreign Trade
5. Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)

Indian Trade Service Salary 2025

The ITS Officers Salary Structure is determined according to the 7th Pay Commission and follows the standard pay matrix applicable to other Group ‘A’ civil services. Below is the detailed structure: